Fire destroys Bonita Springs home, cars on Hollybrier Lane

Fire destroyed a home in the gated community of Pelican Landing Tuesday. It took crews about about 30 minutes to control the blaze at 24761 Hollybrier Lane.

Tuesday, April 7th 2015, 7:21 PM EDT

A half-million dollar home in Bonita Springs was destroyed by fire Tuesday. It is located in the gated community of Pelican Landing. It took crews about about 30 minutes to control the blaze at 24761 Hollybrier Lane.

The homeowner, William Peet, said he and his wife had just returned from playing tennis when they noticed smoke billowing out of the top of the house.

When they opened their garage, they saw flames that engulfed their white Cadillac. Both got out safely, however he told us his wife complained of chest pains and was taken to the hospital to be checked out. Late word is she is expected to be okay.

"I'm very, very sad to hear of any fire, anywhere. It's quite shocking, and I'm very sorry to hear this," said a moved resident Judy Feingold.

The home is considered a total loss. Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District provided the fire response and are investigating the cause. Fighting the fire was complicated after the tile roof collapsed.

"There was two vehicles in the garage, and they were both involved. And then it was already through the entire garage into the attic. They're made of clay, and it just adds a tremendous amount of weight to the roof structure, so once the trusses are compromised by fire, it compromises the integrity of the roof," said Deputy Chief Rich Scott.

The fire marshal believes the garage looks like the focus of their investigation.